Masuku, the brand of top model Natalia Vodianova, has released a biodegradable single-wear face mask that decomposes into bio-based components in months rather than the 450 years that plastic counterparts take.

According to recent estimates, three million face masks are discarded every minute around the world, taking hundreds of years to degrade and leaving behind microplastics that pollute the environment.

Masuku's innovative Daily single-wear mask is composed entirely of biodegradable cellulosic materials, including a patented bio-based nanofibre filtering fabric that bacteria can devour. It can decompose in water, earth, a plant container, and domestic food waste in a few months under optimal conditions.

The Masuku Daily is manufactured in the AirLab factory in Rotherham, England, after three years of development.

Top model and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova and sustainable transformation design and technology company Pentatonic introduced Masuku, which translates to "mask" in Japanese.

Natalia Vodianova said, said that the pandemic's environmental impact is terrible, and the long-term repercussions are yet unknown. While single-use masks will always be required for some occupations, many people are unaware that they can take up to 450 years to degrade. For those who require a single-use mask, they developed Masuku Daily masks to provide the same level of protection as their Masuku One High Performance masks. It's a great decision for them and the environment because it's made of compostable materials.

The Daily mask is available in two different styles. The FFP1 standard is standard on the Surgical mask, which is currently available. The Flat Fold mask will be ready in early 2022 and meets the FFP2 standard.

Masuku Daily Surgical Masks are available in sets of 20 and 50 masks for £24.50 and £55, respectively, on the Masuku website.